Think that buying art is something you should do when you're older and have become financially stable? Think again. Although "starting an art collection" might rank somewhere between "own a vineyard" and "travel to the moon" on your list of life goals, becoming an art collector is actually something doable. In fact, owning an original work of art is neither reserved for the super-rich nor the super-old. The best time to invest in art is when you're young. Plus you'll cherish that work of art much more and for much longer than that new pair of sneakers you've been eyeing. So here are 7 reasons why you should buy art as soon as you can:

1. Because you're in the know

When you're in your twenties and thirties, you're much more in touch with what's happening in "the scene", and not just the party scene! In fact, you're part of the demographic setting the trends in the arts. With all of the technology available at your fingertips, it's never been easier to access information and experience art and culture. If you start now, by the time you're old you will have spent years collecting the art you love, filling your world with enriching conversations and beautiful art. In the process you will have learned how to spot a rising star and probably won’t need anyone telling you how to buy art.

2. Because you can afford it

It may not seem like it, but now is the time that you can actually afford to buy art. When you're in your twenties and thirties, you have the freedom to buy what YOU want without feeling guilty. Not only do you have more disposable income but you also have the flexibility to splurge in one area of your life and scale back in others. It's not so easy to do when you're older and have kids to think about.

3. Because emerging art is a bargain

In general, the art you like right now tends to be less expensive and thus, affordable even when you're just starting out. Emerging artists are around the same age as you, and are experiencing the same difficulties making their mark on the "real world". Take advantage of the fact that the artists in your generation are still selling their work relatively cheaply. That won’t necessarily be the case forever.

4. Because it'll help develop your tastes

This is the time where you are free to explore and develop your own preferences for certain styles. Just think about how you use Instagram - you're essentially curating your tastes. If you start buying now, your collection of art will be more than just a collection, it will be a unique narrative of your life. Each work will mark a milestone. Each piece will tell a story.

5. Because your collection will grow with you

Buying young means that you can grow alongside the artists you love, thus establishing yourself as a supporter of these artists early on. This is a relationship that can last forever - the artist will remember you as one of their earliest collectors, and the gallery you buy from will know that you do actually care about art. If you happen to strike it rich or just do a little bit better as you get older, you might find yourself in a position to buy slightly more expensive work. That relationship could help you get your hands on a piece that you might not be able to purchase otherwise.

6. Because it will last a lifetime

There will always be a new iPhone coming out and you already have plenty of shoes. Yes, you could spend a few hundred Dollars/Euro/Yen on a night out, but why not think about buying art instead? The painting that blew your mind away could be in the same price range. If you don’t buy the new iPhone and are willing to stretch out your stash, that painting could be yours. The art will definitely last longer. When you’re old and grey you can still look and appreciate that work of art ; the booze and the iPhone, on the other hand, will be long ago consumed.

7. Because it's fun

FACT. Buying artwork is a lot of fun. If you're spending a bit more and investing in a piece you really love, it can even be exhilarating! Even if you’re buying a $100 drawing and tacking it over your dresser, buying art will make you feel like an adult who cares about living in a beautiful surrounding. Try it, I dare you!

So maybe you can skip on the new shoes and splurge on art. It will much harder to do that once “real life” takes over. Try not to think of a piece of art as decoration; it’s something that you should feel is timeless and will be with you for a lifetime. You can to look at it everyday and it’s not going to wear out or go out of season. You can bring it with you wherever you go. You can to feel the sense of reward by investing in an artist and their career. Plus, there's a chance that the monetary value of the work will grow. Cha-ching!